Orchard, Applesand Somerset Cider

The orchard at Abbey Farm grows apples of local origin and helps to preserve some of the old and rare varieties. The cider variety Gennet Moyle was thought to be extinct. Luckily an old tree was discovered and the variety saved.

The names of different varieties may commemorate an event, a local place, the founder of the variety, or its appearance.

Varieties grown in the orchard include:

Dunkerton Sweet – raised by the Dunkerton family of Baltonsborough

Stoke Red – from the village of Rodney Stoke, near Cheddar

Yarlington Mill – from the village of Yarlington, near Castle Cary

Stembridge Jersey and Stembridge Cluster – both from Stembridge, near Martock

I Am a Cider Drinker…

For centuries cider was produced on most Somerset farms. A farmer needed cider for his own use, for his regular labourers, and for temporary workers hired during harvest. It was important to have good cider to attract and keep the best workers! These men are pictured drinking cider in the fields around Henstridge, c. 1910.

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Over the past year award-winning photographer Matilda Temperley has been exploring the county with her camera. We're delighted to open this exhibition of new work which Matilda describes as "A love letter to Somerset." 'A View From The Hill' is open now until 1 June. ... See MoreSee Less